Writers

Wilko 'wouldn't say no' to Gatland

Sportal.co.nz 30 Apr 2013 Getty Images

Jonny Wilkinson believes he should not be selected for the British Lions' upcoming tour of Australia.

Wilkinson scored all 24 points for Toulon as they defeated Saracens to reach the Heineken Cup Final but despite overcoming England fly-half Owen Farrell, the 33-year-old feels Lions coach Warren Gatland should favour youth for the three-match series with the Robbie Deans' side.

He told The Times: "The Lions is up there with the most amazing experiences you can get in rugby, but I watch guys like Owen Farrell, Toby Flood, Dan Biggar and Jonny Sexton and it is they who are driving rugby forward.

"Perhaps they should be the ones driving that tour forward as well."

Wilkinson toured with the Lions in 2001 and 2005 and, although the French Top 14 final clashes with their opening tour match in Hong Kong on June 1, the former Newcastle Falcons man admits a call-up to Gatland's squad would be impossible to turn down.

"There's no way I could say no. In terms of what that represents, everything about it, it's enormous. Such a fabulous thing," Wikinson added.

"All I can do is play and see if I fit into those plans. If I don't, like the 2007 World Cup, I'll just have to make the best of what I've got here, which, let's face it, is good enough."